Description
Book SynopsisFrom the plague of Athens to the Covid-19 pandemic, Plagues, Pandemics and Viruses covers the history, causes, medical treatments, human responses, and aftermath of the world's biggest pandemics as well as several modern diseases of note and those that are making a comeback. It chronicles the plagues, pandemics, and other diseases that have inflicted man through the millennia, including the bubonic plague/black plague, which killed 30%-60% of Europe's population; the 1918 Spanish Flu; AIDS, and now Covid-19.
Trade Review“
2021 Outstanding Reference Source. The COVID pandemic, which has wreaked havoc through the world, is far from the first. These sweeping illnesses have wrecked societies for millenia. Plagues have left their mark on the world, loom from their hiding places, and show our resilience. This text shares that history, from thousands of years ago to today.” –
American Library Association“Plagues evolve, but people stay the same: New book reveals the dark history of pandemics. Sure, COVID-19 presented health care workers with an enormous challenge, but it wasn’t the first. History is filled with stories of horrific pandemics — the Black Death, smallpox, the Spanish flu. Each tale has its own heroes and idiots, victims and villains. And Heather E. Quinlan’s “
Plagues, Pandemics and Viruses” has all the fascinating, frightening facts.” – New York Daily News
“History and science collide in this accessible, wide-ranging narrative of pandemics. … The conversational tone and clear organization make this a good choice for high-school student researchers and the general public.” – Booklist Online
“… presents non-technical explanations of more than plagues, pandemics, and viruses—She also covers societal effects of plagues and pandemics, and an overview of living with pathogens. … Delightful, enjoyable and informative … Will appeal to anyone … interested in basic, jargon-free information on pandemics and viruses.” – Library Journal
“… a comprehensive book of nonfiction that delves into all aspects of infectious disease epidemics: the science and the history, as well as, importantly, the social and cultural aspects of these diseases. This is a very relevant read for what the world is going through at this particular time in history. … the book is at its best as an overview of humanity’s ongoing struggle with plagues and pandemics … An important book for the times!” – New York Journal of Books
“… easy-to-read, accessible and humane historical overview of humanity’s struggle with pandemics resonates across the years and casts a wide net. … explanations are generally clear, concise and, given that [the author] aims at a popular audience, accurate – even when she discusses immunology, a notoriously complex area of biology. ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰” – Fortean Times
“... describes plagues, pandemics, viruses, and other diseases throughout history, from early medicine to COVID-19, along with their treatment and vaccines. …” – Protoview Book News
“Sometimes, you crave more information, so look for "Plagues, Pandemics and Viruses: From the Plague of Athens to Covid-19" by Heather E. Quinlan (Visible Ink Press), which is a wide look at frightening times throughout history” – Bookworm SezTable of ContentsAbout the Author
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
1. Introduction to Plagues (Bacteria and Viruses, Your Immune System, Vaccines and Antibiotics)
2. Early Medicine (Paging Dr. Paleo, Hippocrates and the First Physicians, Plagues of the Ancient World, The Plague of Athens, The Plague of Justinian)
3. The Black Death
4. The Plagues of London
5. Plagues of Africa and the Tropics (Yellow Fever, Ebola; Zika)
6. Smallpox: The Old World Collides with the New World
7. STIs (Herpes, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS)
8. Addictions (Alcoholism, The Crack Epidemic, Opioids)
9. Do or Die Battles (Rabies, Cholera, TB, Polio)
10. 1918: The Spanish Flu Isn’t Spanish
11. Coronaviruses (MERS, SARS, COVID-19)
12. The Future
Bibliography
Index
